Identifying best practices for disclosure of amyloid imaging results: A randomized controlled trial
Agnetha D. Fruijtier, Jetske van der Schaar, Ingrid S. van Maurik, Marissa D. Zwan, Philip Scheltens, Femke H. Bouwman, Yolande A.L. Pijnenburg, Bart N.M. van Berckel, Jarith L. Ebenau, Wiesje M. van der Flier, Ellen M.A. Smets, Leonie N.C. Visser
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Empirical studies on effective communication for amyloid disclosure in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are lacking. We aimed to study the impact of six communication strategies. METHOD: We performed a randomized controlled trial with seven randomly assigned, video-vignette conditions: six emphasizing a communication strategy and one basic condition. All showed a scripted consultation of a neurologist disclosing positive amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) scan results to an MCI patient. Healthy individuals (N = 1017; mean age ± SD 64 ± 8, 808 (79%) female) were instructed to imagine themselves in the video, answered questionnaires assessing information recall, emotional state, and behavioral intentions, and evaluate the physician/information. RESULTS: "Risk best practice" resulted in highest free recall compared to other strategies (P < .05), except "emotional support". Recall in "emotional support" was better compared to "basic-' and elaborate information"(P < .05). "Risk best practice" resulted in the highest uncertainty (P < .001). "Teach-back" and "emotional support" contributed to the highest evaluations (P -values < .01). CONCLUSION: Risk communication best practices, attending to emotions, and teach-back techniques enhance information recall of amyloid-PET results, and could contribute to positive care evaluations.